The Los Angeles Angels announced they have signed infielder Zack Cozart. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports the deal is for three-years, $38 million.
Cozart, 32, had a breakout season in 2017 when he hit .297/.385/.548 with 24 doubles, seven triples, 24 home runs. 141 OPS+ and struck out only 78 times in 438 at-bats.
He also set a career-high with 4.9 WAR, earned his first All-Star appearance and a career-high 42.3% flyball rate.
For his career, Cozart is a .254/.305/.411 hitter including a .702 OPS on the road.
Over seven seasons, Cozart has 56 defensive runs saved at shortstop but posted a career-low 2 DRS in 2017. Though he has only 11 games of experience at second base with all of them coming in the minors.
The Angels already have the best defensive shortstop in the game in Andrelton Simmons and recently trade for defensively gifted Ian Kinsler meaning Cozart is likely to play third base. He has no prior experience in the minors or majors at third.
